10 Denver Schools Shut Down – Here’s Where Students Are Headed Next

Denver Public Schools Shake-Up: Where Will 8,000 Students Go After Sudden Closures?

Denver Public Schools (DPS) has dropped a bombshell decision—eight schools will shutter by the end of this academic year. The move leaves nearly 8,000 students, along with their families and educators, scrambling to figure out next steps. Here’s what’s happening and where displaced students might land.

Why Are These Schools Closing?

DPS cites declining enrollment and budget shortfalls as the primary drivers behind the closures. Schools on the chopping block include:

• Fairview Elementary
• Collegiate Prep Academy
• Denver Discovery School
• International Academy of Denver at Harrington

District officials claim consolidating resources will improve educational outcomes, but critics argue the abrupt timeline disrupts vulnerable communities.

Where Will Students Transfer?

DPS has outlined a "priority placement" plan for affected students, including:

1. Nearby higher-performing schools: Students will get first dibs on open seats at schools within a 3-mile radius.
2. Specialized magnet programs: Displaced students receive priority admission to sought-after programs like Denver School of the Arts.
3. Transportation guarantees: Free bus passes or district-provided shuttles for students reassigned further away.

Parent Reactions: Anger and Uncertainty

At a fiery community meeting, parents voiced concerns about overcrowding at receiving schools and the loss of neighborhood institutions. "They’re treating our kids like chess pieces," said Marisol Ruiz, a Fairview Elementary parent. Meanwhile, DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero defended the decision, stating, "Hard choices are necessary to ensure every student has access to quality education."

What Happens to Teachers and Staff?

The district promises no layoffs, with displaced educators offered positions at receiving schools. However, union reps warn that forced transfers could still destabilize specialized programs.

What Do You Think?

• Is closing schools really the best solution for budget gaps, or should administrators take pay cuts first?
• Will this accelerate "school shopping" by wealthy families, leaving struggling schools worse off?
• Should Denver voters approve higher taxes to prevent future closures?
• Are magnet schools getting unfair priority over traditional neighborhood schools?

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